TESCO is set to submit plans for a smaller store in Ashtead after failing to solve parking issues with the site to allow it to build a larger supermarket.

The company was given permission to build a 750sq-m store in The Street in 2010 by a government planning inspector despite opposition to the size from villagers, some 6,000 of whom signed petitions.

But the inspector laid down a condition for parking problems in the area to be resolved first. He ruled that building could not start until Mole Valley District Council had found a new venue for 74 long-term spaces currently in the Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall car park, behind the proposed supermarket.

Those spaces would be needed for shoppers but longer-term parking is also required for people using the hall and other facilities in the village.

But in almost 18 months since the store was given permission, Tesco has failed to find alternative spaces and resolve the issue with the council.

This had led to the new plans for a smaller Tesco Metro store being put forward.

As with the earlier proposal, the shop will have nine flats above it.

Metro stores are larger than the company’s Express outlets, and this one would be less than 10% smaller than the previous scheme, with an expected 690sq-m of retail space.

But it is promised this application will not lead to alterations to the Peace Memorial Hall car park, that it will have a front entrance only and be on land already owned by Tesco.

“However it’s only very slightly smaller and there isn’t any extra parking except for the nine flats, there’s no extra parking for Tesco customers and staff.

"We feel the whole development should be contained within the site, including extra parking, which means a smaller store.”

Miss Russell said SAVE’s preference would be for an Express store but the group will meet Tesco representatives in the coming weeks to discuss details of its new plans, and a public exhibition of the proposals is also set to be held.

So-called ‘basket item’ shopping will be provided by the store, including groceries and frozen goods, and there will be no trolleys outside.

Between 50 and 65 jobs will be created and Tesco’s corporate affairs manager Simon Petar said the store would bring other benefits.

He said: “We believe our Metro will offer the local community additional choice and value for customers. We have now informed councillors of our outline proposals. We are very much looking forward to consulting with the wider local community as our proposal progresses.”